The American Legion Post 70 17U baseball team wrapped up play in the American Legion State Tournament with a 13-5 loss to Tuscaloosa Post 34 in the championship.

Troy led 5-0 heading into the fifth inning, but was unable to shut the door in the final two innings of play.

“They are really good,” said head coach Ross Hixon. “They had some guys that played on the 19U team all summer and they were eligible to play 17U too. They had picked up a little bit since the last time we played them.”

The Tournament was a whirl wind of an experience for coach Hixon and Post 70. After playing in pool play last week, they entered the single elimination portion of the tournament on Saturday.

“I am not one for moral victories, but second in the state out of the 20 teams that were there is still pretty good and nothing to hang your head about,” Hixon said. “I am not saying we gave it to them, but we somewhat did. I was still pleased with everybody in the tournament. We played as good as we played all year.”

Troy played in five games in the single elimination portion of the schedule. They defeated Gant 9-5, Tuscaloosa Wildcats 8-5, Wetumpka 6-5 and Monroe County 5-4 in nine innings.

In all four of the games leading up to the final, Post 70 trailed at some point in the game.

“It was an emotional roller coaster all day Saturday and Sunday. Living and dying on every pitch,” Hixon said. “It was really fun baseball.”

The loss brings a summer full of baseball to an end for Post 70’s 17U team.

“A couple of kids told me it was the most fun they have had playing ball in a long time,” Hixon said. “It was a fun team to coach for me all summer, but this weekend for sure.”